Malachi Moore was drafted in the 4th Round by the New York Jets, landing in a defensive scheme that will eagerly take advantage of his versatility and put him in a position to be successful. He can thank his former Alabama teammate, Brian Branch, for that.
The Jets hired Lions DC Aaron Glenn to be their head coach this offseason. One of Detroit's most versatile defensive weapons is Branch, so it makes sense that Glenn would be looking for a player who could fill that role in the Big Apple.
In a post-draft press conference, Glenn spoke about Branch's influence on New York's decision to draft Moore:
“I talked to Brian Branch before the draft,” Glenn said. “He gave me some really good insight on that player. Actually, he was the starter right before Branch ended up getting the job. He had an injury.
Branch and Moore were teammates at Alabama for three seasons. Moore had quicker success, becoming a starter on Alabama's 2020 National Championship team while Branch was a complementary piece and special-teams contributor. Bur Branch ended up taking the "Star" position in Nick Saban's defense away from Moore, shifting Moore back to safety.
“He understands who he is as a person and then as a player. The first thing that came out of his mouth was ‘Dog.’ And listen, when you hear that, shoot, that gets you excited about the player.
“And then having the chance to watch him on tape and see exactly how he operates, he fits us to a T, so I’m excited to have that player again. He has some versatility, and I see him being utilized just like that.”
Malachi Moore can have a Brian Branch-like impact on the Jets defense
Glenn utilized Branch in a variety of ways during their two seasons together. Branch was a nickel corner as a rookie before moving back to safety in his second season. Injuries late in the season led Branch to shift back to nickel corner down the stretch for the Lions. Wherever he has lined up, he has been a difference-maker for Detroit and one of the best DBs in the NFL during his short career.
Moore can do similar things for the Jets. He may not quite be on Branch's level as a player - and few are - but he has that positional versatility that will be a luxury for Glenn and the Jets' defensive coaching staff.
Moore has leadership qualities that can't be taught and will make an immediate positive impact on that locker room. Like Branch, Moore is a sure-tackler and holds up well in coverage against bigger WRs and TEs.
Even as a 4th Round pick, Moore will have a legitimate chance at carving out immediate playing time for a Jets secondary that was in desperate need of some upgrades, particularly at safety.